One World Observatory Opens on Friday, May 29th!

Yesterday, an insider over at Curbed noticed entrance signage for One World Trade Center’s observatory. And now, just a day later, it’s been officially announced that One World Observatory will open on Friday, May 29. The press release also shares that tickets, which will cost $32 for an adult, will go on sale tomorrow at 10am. The three-floor observation deck will sit 1,250 feet above ground on floors 100, 101, and 102 and cover 125,000 square feet.

Visitors will begin their journey in the Welcome Center where a video board will display a personalized greeting in their native language. They’ll then watch a pre-show program called Voices of the Building, which will describe the rise of One World Trade Center though first-person accounts. Next is Foundations, which displays facts about the very bedrock on which the building stands. Five Sky Pod elevators, among the fastest in the world, will then take them to the top of the tower in under 60 seconds. Even the elevators will be part of the interactive experience, as they’ll feature three walls of floor-to-ceiling LED TVs that will showcase the growth of the city skyline from 1600 to present day.

The elevators take guests to the 102nd floor where they’ll enter the See Forever™ Theater, which will “present a two-minute video presentation that combines bird’s eye imagery, time-lapse shots with abstract textures and patterns to present the unique rhythm and pulse of New York City to dramatic life in three dimensions.” This floor also has a 9,300 square foot special event space. The main observatory is on the 100th floor and includes the Sky Portal, a 14-foot-wide circular disc in the floor that provides a live HD view of the streets below. On the 101st floor are three dining options: a seated, upscale restaurant; an on-the-go café; and a bar.

According to the press release:

In the days leading up to the official public opening, One World Observatory will say a special thank you to New York City by hosting multiple free preview days. On Tuesday, May 26, One World Observatory will invite local school students to see the observatory, and on Wednesday, May 27, the workers that helped build One World Trade Center will be invited. On Thursday, May 28, One World Observatory will host an open house for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Though general admission tickets for adults are $32, it should be noted that “children under five will be free; children ages 6 to 12 will cost $26; senior admission will be $30; active and retired military members will receive special discounts; and complimentary admission will be offered to 9/11 family members and rescue and recovery workers,” as we reported back in October.

David Checketts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Legends, operator of the Observatory, said: “From sweeping panoramic views, to innovative interactive exhibits, to world-class dining options, we expect One World Observatory to be the premier destination and attraction in New York City for both tourists and local residents.”

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